Vietnam Quoc Tu (Vietnamese: Việt Nam Quốc Tự, meaning “National Pagoda of Vietnam”) is known as the pagoda with the tallest tower in Vietnam. The pagoda’s unique architecture and beautiful landscape impress many visitors. Among the tourist attractions in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Quoc Tu is a historical landmark. Therefore, visiting this pagoda not only helps you gain more knowledge but also offers peaceful moments and relaxation.
General information about the Vietnam Quoc Tu
The pagoda was built in 1963 by the Vietnam United Buddhist Sangha. It was initially constructed rudimentarily and remained in use for more than 10 years. It was later damaged and demolished, leaving only the tower and foundation.
After many years of restoration, Vietnam Quoc Tu was officially restored in 1993, and in 2014, the pagoda was rebuilt in its entirety. The inauguration ceremony was held in November 2017 in an area of more than 11 hectares.
architectural models of Vietnam Quoc Tu in 1964
The pagoda was built in the ancient architectural style of North Vietnam. The pagoda’s roof is multi-tiered, curved, and carved with a dragon’s head. The main hall, decorated with dragon-and-phoenix reliefs, is bold in its traditional architecture of Vietnamese pagodas and shrines, and in the middle is enshrined the Buddha Shakyamuni statue.
inside the main hall of Vietnam Quoc Tu
The corridor surrounding the pagoda is designed in harmony. There are two steeples in the yard in front of the Main Hall where a bell and a drum can be hung. From the outside, Vietnam Quoc Tu is designed with Asian-European architecture that combines ancient and modern features.
The 13-story stupa
The temple’s defining features are the majestic main hall and the massive 13-storey stupa, 63m high. The tower’s top is cast in solid bronze. All roofs are red-brown, curled upward, adorned with phoenix ornamentation, and all floors include yellow-painted walls.
(Source: Collected)
In addition to the symbolic meaning for the spirit of service and unity of 13 organizations, associations, and sects participating in the Buddhist nonviolent struggle for peace and religious equality in the South in 1963. This is also a place to worship the relic of the immortal heart of Bodhisattva Thích Quảng Đức, who died by suicide by self-immolation to protest against the repression of Buddhists by the American-supported Saigon government on 11 June 1963.
Kuan Yin Statue
Opposite the stupa is a standing Kuan Yin statue on a lotus-shaped pedestal, with open arms and one hand holding an orange vase. Visitors must walk barefoot up a granite staircase to the top of the high, wide station with lotus petals to pray to Kuan Yin.
(Source: Collected)
Address of Vietnam Quoc Tu & Opening hours:
Location: 244 Ba Thang Hai Street, Hoa Hung Ward, Ho Chi Minh City.
Opening hours of Main Hall: 7:30 – 11:00; 15:00 – 19:30 daily.
On special days, including the 1st, 14th, 15th, 29th, and 30th of each month in the lunar calendar: 7:00 – 11:30; 13:30 – 22:00.
Rules and regulations:
- Simple clothes, top with sleeves; no short skirts, pants, trousers, shorts, or skin-tight garments.
- No photos, incense, and candles in Main Hall.
- Walk slightly, be quiet and solemn.
Source: collected by An
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